[Effect of amino acid infusion for prevention of intraoperative hypothermia during laparotomy].

BACKGROUND

Amino acid infusion prevents intraoperative hypothermia. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of amino acid infusion on intraoperative core temperature of patients during laparotomy.

METHODS

Forty-two patients (duration of surgery of 180 min or more) and 32 patients (duration of surgery less than 180 min) scheduled for open gastrectomy under sevoflurane anesthesia combined with epidural anesthesia were randomly allocated to receive either amino acid solution (A group) or electrolyte solution (S group) intravenously. Each solution was started at anesthesia induction. The levels of tympanic temperature were recorded after induction, during surgery and at extubation.

RESULTS

Patients in each of the two groups (A group vs. S group) were comparable with their characteristics and anesthetic management. Amino acid infusion prevented intraoperative hypothermia for cases of 180 min or more. The number of patients with temperature of less than 35.5 degrees C in A group was less those that in S group for cases shorter than 180 min.

CONCLUSIONS

Amino acid infusion has more preventive effect on intraoperative hypothermia than electrolyte solution.